Dallas Roofing: Article About Emergency Roof Repairs

Roofing term of the day, courtesy of the roofers from Total Roofing in Dallas:Temporary roof repair

A temporary roof repair is anything that stops water from infiltrating the roof. Most homeowners opt to seal their roofs by nailing a large tarp over the leaking areas. Some homeowners may be tempted to use tar or another roof sealant. However, this is not recommended, as it can increase the difficulty of repairing the roof.

Dallas roofers answer a FAQ:What is a roofing emergency?

A roofing emergency occurs when the roof is suddenly and significantly damaged, allowing water to infiltrate the home. Once water starts to enter the home, it can damage the structural components of the roof, the ceiling, drywall and flooring. When a leak is found, homeowners should take precautions to limit the water damage inside the home and take steps to temporarily seal the roof leak.

Total Roofing: Professional Dallas Roofers

Roofs protect homes against the elements, including rain, high winds and hail. Most homeowners hope they never have to call a professional Dallas roofing contractor to make an emergency repair. Unfortunately, emergencies happen. High winds, driving rains, tropical storms, hurricanes and tornadoes can all significantly damage a residential roof.

The most obvious sign that a home needs an emergency roofing repair is the presence of water or water spots on the ceiling. High winds can dislodge and even remove shingles from the home. Hail can dent flashing and the roofing material, compromising its waterproofing abilities. In extremely windy conditions, large branches can be blown from trees onto the roof. All of these weather events can lead to roof leaks and even structural damage.

When homeowners locate a leak in their roofs, they should place a bucket or trash can under the leak to stop the water from spreading on the floor of the home and creating damage inside. Homeowners should not go outside and onto their roofs during the storm to inspect the damage or to stop the leak. Accessing the roof while it is wet can pose major safety risks.

The expert roofers at Total Roofing of Dallas can assist you with any questions regarding roof maintenance or gutters.

Instead, the homeowner should wait until the storm is over and the roof is partially dry before attempting a temporary roof repair. The most common and cheapest way to temporarily stop a roof leak involves purchasing a large tarp, 2x4 wooden boards and some roofing nails. The tarp should be spread flat over the leaking area. The 2x4 boards should be placed at the edges of the tarp, and the nails should be hammered through the boards and tarp into the roof. This is the best way to secure the tarp to the roof and prevent further roofing damage. Some homeowners may be tempted to use large, heavy concrete blocks to hold the tarp in place. However, the blocks may shift or get blown off the roof during high winds.

If the homeowner does not have the proper safety equipment or does not want to access their roof, another individual should be called to make necessary emergency roofing repairs. Local roofing companies will typically have the expertise to caulk small leaks quickly and cheaply.

The tarp should prevent water from infiltrating the home and causing further damage in the event of subsequent storms. However, it is not a permanent fix, and the homeowner should call a professional roofing company or their insurance company if they have homeowners insurance in order to expedite the repair process.

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